The exposure of a large-scale stolen car racket allegedly involving police personnel and political figures has triggered panic within official circles in Palnadu district.
According to sources, the gang led by Venkatanayudu, son of an Assistant Sub-Inspector, is accused of abducting hundreds of vehicles from Telangana and selling them at throwaway prices in Palnadu district.
The revelations have reportedly caused sleepless nights for several police officers and political leaders who are believed to have purchased the stolen vehicles.
Efforts are allegedly underway to suppress the issue, with some attempting to ensure that the case does not proceed beyond the remand of the accused, citing a road accident angle.
Investigators revealed that Venkatanayudu’s five-member gang, along with Bhanu from Narsingapadu village in Nakrekal mandal and Anjilu, a resident of Narasaraopet, stole nearly a hundred vehicles and sold them to influential individuals, including police officers and public representatives.
Police are also preparing to seize four vehicles allegedly in the possession of suspended SI Rahmatulla. Additionally, nine cars reportedly kept for sale in a shed in Guntur have been traced.
Through toll plaza data, police discovered that the gang used FASTags registered in the name of a resident from Tripurapuram village. The individual has been questioned as part of the investigation.
While Bhanu and Anjilu are still absconding, there is growing demand from various quarters for a SIT or CID probe to fully expose the racket and the role of influential individuals, including the accused ASI.
